| Ectocion Temporal range: Paleocene - Eocene | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Ectocion osbornianus | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Family: | †Phenacodontidae |
| Genus: | †Ectocion Cope, 1882 |
| Species | |
Ectocion (sometimesEctocyon) is an extinctgenus ofplacental mammals of the familyPhenacodontidae. The genus was earlier classified asGidleyina (Simpson 1935) andProsthecion (Patterson and West 1973)[3] It reached 6 to 12 kg and was similar in size and morphology toCopecion. Both these herbivorous ungulates likely occupied similar ecological niches.[4]
Paleocene specimens of these hoofed, ground-dwelling herbivores have been found inCanada (Alberta, Saskatchewan) and the United States (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming).Eocene specimens have been found inMexico and theUnited States (Colorado, Mississippi, Wyoming).[3]
One of the dramatic effects of thePaleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) was some animals evolving smaller bodies. FossilizedEctocion jaw bones show that this genus was smaller during (E. parvus, 55.5mya) the PETM than its relatives before (E. osbornianus, 55.6 mya) and after (E. osbornianus, 55.3 mya) the brief climatic peak period.[5]
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